Mac Mini (updated June 2010):
Storage: Up to 500GB (slower – 5200rpm)
Graphics: NVidia, 256MB VRAM, OpenGL, Dual Display (Mini DisplayPort+HDMI or MiniDisplay Port+DVI through the included HDMI-to-DVI adapter). VGA output requires a separate HDMI-to-VGA adapter. No big deal, at all.
Memory: Up to 8GB.
Processor: Dual core – Up to 2.66 GHz.
Parts that LIS can replace: RAM. No built-in display, though.
Very environmentally friendly – minimal parts/packaging, no built-in display. Uses 10W of power when idle or at most 85W – compare this with other Mac desktops that use 263W!
Note: The need for a separate power supply has been eliminated. The Mac gets power through a simple power cord (no “brick”).
Note 2: Goshen College replaces all computers with Mac Minis.
iMac
Storage: Up to 2TB
Graphics: NVidia or ATI, Up to 512MB VRAM, OpenGL, Dual Display (Built-in LCD+Mini DisplayPort)
Memory: Up to 16GB.
Processor: Dual or Quad core – Up to 3.33 GHz.
Parts that LIS can replace: RAM. Built-in display cannot be reused easily.
Least environmentally friendly due to large all-in-one design that includes a built-in display. Cannot easily be disassembled into parts. Uses up to 60.7W of power when idle^.
Mac Pro
Storage: Up to 8TB
Graphics: Can support multiple graphics cards including one double-wide. Up to 512MB VRAM. Support for up to 8 displays, DVI, including a single Mini DisplayPort.
Memory: Up to 32GB.
Processor: Quad or 8 core – Up to 3.33 GHz.
Parts that LIS can replace: RAM, Storage, Graphics Cards. No built-in display.
Fairly environmentally friendly (no built-in display, lots of reusable parts). However, uses up to 115W of power when idle^.
All current Apple desktop models have: Superdrive (CD+DVD+RW+DL), Firewire 800, USB, Mini DisplayPort, I/O Audio Ports including built-in speakers, Wired Ethernet, Wireless Card (optional on Mac Pro).
All current Apple desktop models are compatible with high-end multimedia software:
– Final Cut Pro Suite
– Adobe CS1-CS5 Suites
Sources:
http://developer.apple.com/graphicsimaging/opengl/capabilities/
http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html
http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html
http://www.apple.com/macpro/specs.html
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht2836
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3559
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3468
http://www.apple.com/finalcutstudio/specs/
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop/systemreqs/
^ Can go up to 263W, depending on the software that’s being used.